Kingdom of the Two Sicilies

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The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (Italian: Regno delle Due Sicilie) was a state that existed in southern Italy from 1816 to 1861. It was the largest of the Italian states before the Italian unification and was formed by the union of the Kingdom of Naples and the Kingdom of Sicily. The kingdom's capital was Naples, and it was ruled by the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies.

History[edit | edit source]

The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was established in 1816 by Ferdinand I, who had been the king of both Naples and Sicily. The unification of the two kingdoms was part of the reorganization of Europe following the Congress of Vienna in 1815. The kingdom was characterized by its absolute monarchy and was one of the most conservative states in Europe.

During the Revolution of 1848, the kingdom experienced significant unrest, leading to temporary constitutional changes. However, these changes were short-lived, and the monarchy soon restored its absolute power.

The kingdom faced its demise during the Expedition of the Thousand led by Giuseppe Garibaldi in 1860. Garibaldi's successful campaign led to the annexation of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies by the Kingdom of Sardinia, which later became the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was primarily agrarian, with agriculture being the mainstay of the economy. The kingdom also had a significant industrial sector, particularly in the areas of textiles, shipbuilding, and ironworks. The port of Naples was one of the busiest in the Mediterranean, facilitating trade and commerce.

Culture[edit | edit source]

The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was known for its rich cultural heritage, which included contributions to art, music, and literature. The kingdom was home to several renowned artists and composers, and its cities, particularly Naples, were cultural hubs.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

The legacy of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies is still evident in southern Italy today. The region's distinct cultural and linguistic identity can be traced back to the kingdom's influence. The House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies continues to exist as a claimant to the defunct throne.